Translocator Protein (18 kD) as Target for Anxiolytics Without Benzodiazepine-Like Side Effects
- 24 July 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Science
- Vol. 325 (5939), 490-493
- https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1175055
Abstract
Most antianxiety drugs (anxiolytics) work by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Benzodiazepines are fast and effective anxiolytic drugs; however, their long-term use is limited by the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Ligands of the translocator protein [18 kilodaltons (kD)] may promote the synthesis of endogenous neurosteroids, which also exert anxiolytic effects in animal models. Here, we found that the translocator protein (18 kD) ligand XBD173 enhanced γ-aminobutyric acid–mediated neurotransmission and counteracted induced panic attacks in rodents in the absence of sedation and tolerance development. XBD173 also exerted antipanic activity in humans and, in contrast to benzodiazepines, did not cause sedation or withdrawal symptoms. Thus, translocator protein (18 kD) ligands are promising candidates for fast-acting anxiolytic drugs with less severe side effects than benzodiazepines.This publication has 27 references indexed in Scilit:
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